full-spectrum CBD

When purchasing Cannabidiol (CBD), it helps to know about the different types of CBD products and which one works best for you. The three types of CBD made from hemp (the Cannabis Sativa plant) – CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD and broad spectrum CBD – offer different benefits.

CBD products from the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa)

Full-Spectrum
CBD

Full-spectrum CBD (also called whole plant CBD) contains all of the properties, phytochemicals, and a nearly identical cannabinoid profile to the hemp plant. “The hemp plant naturally contains over 100 cannabinoids that, similar to CBD, provide their own unique benefit. …Scientists have found that plant components interact with one another to create an enhanced effect (compared to the component alone).”*

The different types of cannabinoids in the hemp plant include CBD, CBN, CBG, CBC, and more than 100 others. This includes a detectable amount of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that is less than 0.3% as stated by the law. The small amount of THC doesn’t cause a high, but if you use this product regularly, THC may be detected in a drug test.

Because full-spectrum CBD contains almost all the nutrients of the hemp plant, you receive the full benefits of the plant. This also means you avoid the bell-shaped dose-response curve. It “is a visual representation of how certain stimuli—in this case pure CBD—are least effective when taken in very small and very high doses. Because of this effect, CBD isolate requires precise dosages to achieve the maximum therapeutic benefits, whereas full-spectrum CBD extracts offer health benefits even at very low doses.”**

“Full spectrum CBD oil contains vital traces of Vitamin A, C, and E coupled with complex B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine. Full spectrum hemp oil also contains beta-carotene along with important minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc.”***

Since these products contain the whole CBD plant, they are the least processed type of CBD products. They may also taste and smell like the hemp plant. The smell and taste can vary from batch to batch due to the changes in the hemp plant’s environment, weather, temperature, etc. Many full-spectrum CBD products contain other natural or artificial flavors to reduce the hemp plant taste. Despite the aroma and taste, full-spectrum CBD may be more effective than the other types of CBD for some people’s symptoms.

Broad Spectrum CBD

When
a product contains several of the different cannabinoids, terpenes,
and other phytochemicals in the hemp plant, but no detectable THC,
this product is called broad spectrum CBD. The number of
cannabinoids, terpenes and other nutrients varies in each brand.
Some broad
spectrum CBD products start with a CBD isolate and then terpenes,
other cannabinoids, and phytochemicals get added back in to make the
final product.

Less research on the benefits of broad spectrum CBD has been done compared to full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolates. However, if you are concerned about THC, broad spectrum CBD may be the product for you. Because it contains many of the properties of the hemp plant, you may receive more benefits from these products than those made from a CBD isolate.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate powder looks similar to fine sugar

Hemp processed in a way that nearly 100% CBD remains is the last of the different types of CBD products called a CBD isolate. The products made from a CBD Isolate contain no terpenes, additional cannabinoids, and other plant components found in the hemp plant.Therefore, these products also contain no detectable THC. Since these products contain only CBD, people have fewer sensitivity problems like allergic reactions, interaction with medications, etc. If you need to take a high dosage of CBD, many experts recommend a CBD isolate over the other types of CBD.

“With CBD isolate, there is no guesswork. You know exactly what you’re getting: cannabidiol and nothing else. Some brands will add terpenes back into the mix to provide natural hemp flavor but for the most part, isolates are made with CBD alone. For that reason, CBD isolate can make it easier to achieve the exact dosage that works for you without having to guess if there are other ingredients diluting your dose.“**

Because the CBD isolate has no flavor or odor, it works well in edibles and topical products. When using a topical CBD product, many people get good results from the CBD isolate products because it helps reduce inflammation and pain.

“The early CBD consensus was that pure isolate would provide more healthy benefits, but a 2015 study proved that when combined with other cannabis compounds, CBD extracts are “far superior” over isolate CBD for a range of “many pathological conditions.”*** For some people CBD isolates products work very well, while others get better results from the other types of CBD products containing more components of the hemp plant including THC.

Final Thoughts on the CBD Types

Always refer to the manufacturer’s Certificates of Analysis (COA) from an independent lab to find out how much CBD, additional cannabinoids and THC are detectable in the product before purchasing it. Some manufacturers claim to be a particular type of CBD. However, the COA results show you if the product is a CBD isolate, containing only CBD, broad spectrum with no THC or full-spectrum with less than 0.3% THC. Also, check the COA to ensure it is organic – not containing contaminants like mold, heavy metals, or pesticides.

It is best to talk with your physician before using CBD. “Again, it is important to have a conversation with your primary physician because while generally well tolerated, CBD oil can interact with popular medications like certain antidepressants and antibiotics.”** Also, some of the carrier oils can interfere with prescription medications like safflower and grape seed oil.

Because everyone reacts differently to CBD, please give yourself time to experiment with doses and the different types of CBD products.

Want more information about CBD? Come into Seeds of Wellness to learn about our products and their benefits. Also, check out our other blog posts about CBD: